Effects of plyometric training on performance-related metrics in track and field athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, with preliminary evidence on injury prevention.

BACKGROUND

Plyometric training (PT) is widely used in track and field to improve stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, sprint speed, and explosive power. However, no systematic review has synthesized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of PT on both injury-related and performance outcomes in track and field athletes. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on performance-related metrics in this population.

METHODS

PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus®, and SPORTDiscus® were systematically searched to identify RCTs involving track and field athletes of any competitive level. Eligible studies compared PT with participants continuing their usual routine training without the inclusion of plyometric exercises and reported performance-related outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software to evaluate the effects of PT on sports performance. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and Reporting in Exercise (TESTEX) scale, while risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool.

RESULTS

Thirty RCTs met inclusion criteria, with 27 contributing to meta-analyses. Out of 30 studies, one RCT assessed the impact of PT on injuries and reported a significant reduction in lower limb injury incidence following PT. Meta-analyses showed significant improvements in 30 m sprint performance (-3.53%, p = 0.02), countermovement jump height (mean difference 5.11%, p = 0.03), vertical jump height (2.95%, p = 0.02), and standing long jump distance (2.55%, p = 0.01). PT also improved VO₂ max (3.05%, p = 0.04) and running economy at 14 km·h⁻¹ (-1.96%, p = 0.05). Heterogeneity ranged from low to substantial across outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PT enhances sprinting, jumping, neuromuscular, and selected endurance-related performance outcomes in track and field athletes. Although preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits including injury reduction, robust exposure-based RCTs are needed to establish definitive preventive effects.